05/27/2014

And, because you KNOW I cannot seem to make any story short...*grin* I will go ahead and tell you my EXCITING NEWS ALL AT ONCE!!!! (Yes, I'm yelling! Or rather, squealing!!!!)

(Okay, now I can't decide which one to tell you first!!! Ha!!)

Like a big goober, I'll go in alphabetical order:

1. I AM A THIRD GRADE TEACHER!!!! An incredible new school in our community is starting a private classical elementary, and has chosen to entrust me with 18 precious third graders this fall!! I could not be more excited to be hired to do something I am passionate about. To have the privilege of inspiring and cheering my students to become world changers is a dream come true for me!

2. TODAY, I SUBMITTED A BOOK PROPOSAL for a book I am ghostwriting for my dear friend Riley Banks!!!!! Okay, I am actually refraining from posting the actual number of exclamation marks I am feeling right now. This is a very dignified blog, you know. I cannot wait to be able to share more of Riley's story with you! I am humbled to be given the task of writing her amazing story. And I promise to keep you posted along this wild book proposal ride!

Whew!

Obviously, we have a LOT to catch up on!

I think the easiest way to begin telling you all about the past year would be to let you read about how my heart was being tugged last spring, and for the whole year before. (Click here to read it.) Re-reading the words I wrote over a year ago reminds me how--even on my craziest or darkest of days--God is always there, leading me through.

Last spring, I wondered whether I should keep writing this blog. I had hoped and dreamed of writing as a part-time job, but hadn't been able to accomplish that. My heart felt restless to create, yet I didn't understand how to make that happen.

During that time, Dave and I spent countless weekly lunch dates at our favorite BBQ restaurant (Danna's, of course!) dreaming about our future. His job was stressful, and he felt like God was stirring his heart as well. We talked and dreamed about how our family could best spend our days making a difference. Looking back, it's easy to see how God was working in each of our hearts. But at the time, we felt like we were doing a whole lot of talking, dreaming, and praying...and not much hearing.

How fitting that we finally heard something last fall while sitting at our favorite BBQ restaurant. Or rather, that's where we received the text that changed our lives.

...to be continued.

Okay, enough for today. I've jammed the exclamation point key on my keyboard, so I'd better call the technician. (Or...maybe I just need a nap...since I only got a short nap last night...)

How much do you know about our Presidents? We'll find out in a minute, won't we? The more I learn about our early Presidents, the more they become my heroes! I want to teach our children about the character qualities of great men like Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson. I want our children to be inspired by their stories of perseverance, bravery, ingenuity, faith.

Start some great conversations about our Presidents with your kids at breakfast or dinner today--see how many of these answers they know!

2) How about an overview of George Washington's greatness? When you watch this Animated History of George Washington, be sure to listen for these key words: Courage...Character...Unanimously...Leadership

3) Watch Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (an excerpt) - Animated Hero Classics, Nest Family Entertainment - We have collected some of these faith-based videos/dvds for our daughters through the years, and they are wonderful! Why not WATCH some of these cartoons with your family today--to celebrate President's Day! Excerpts of the George Washington and Abraham Lincoln videos are posted on YouTube.

4) Hands-down, the best storyteller I have ever heard (besides my dad, of course!) is Jim Weiss. I had the pleasure of hearing him at a denim jumper convention tell stories about the first 5 presidents, and it was one of the best lessons in history I have EVER heard. He made early American history come ALIVE for me that day! I highly recommend any of his Greathall Productions, which are audiobooks he has recorded on cd. Or,download an mp3 about the fascinating life of Thomas Jefferson!

I hope you have a great day celebrating our nation's rich history!

Want MORE Presidential trivia? Have you checked out my post from previous years' President's Days?

12/15/2013

Oh my goodness. How I have MISSED you, dearest readers. I know you all must think I had died...or fallen off the edge of the world. But, I've been here. Quiet, and busy pondering what life needs to look like in our home. Speaking of which, I have SO MUCH to tell all of you!! Goodness sakes--so much around here has changed! But, first--this post. Because this post has brought me back to this space, I want to share these thoughts first. Then, maybe in the days to come I can start sharing some of the things that have changed around here since this summer (when I last posted.)

(Have I mentioned HOW MUCH I have missed all of you?)

This picture is what brought me back to you guys...

Okay, so the picture didn't bring me back here, exactly. But, what's missing in the picture.

Today, as I was rushing around (okay, tearing through the house, running to my next event), I noticed my little side table in front of our Christmas tree. More specifically, I noticed that the table was empty.

In fact, I stopped for just a moment in front of the table.

Where is the Nativity?

In that moment of pause, I realized that our tree is up. The lights were even sparkling in the broad daylight. I noticed the stockings were hung by the chimney with care. I even noticed the hurriedly tied taffeta plaid ribbons on the candles that normally flank the Nativity set.

But, why hadn't I set up the Nativity?

In my own typical fashion, I started reminding myself of the excuses about why I had forgotten the Nativity. (Who else gives themselves excuses? Like, I am having a conversation in my head where I am telling myself excuses--to make myself feel better...Does anybody else notice how crazy that sounds?!!)

Here were the excuses I listed off (in my imaginary conversation with myself):

Decorating this year was a VERY haphazard, VERY rushed to-do, that I needed to check off my list. I completed it one night late--and only because my youngest was dying to give me a surprise ornament...once the tree was up.

I ended up decorating dayslater than normal--just because life has been crazy busy. I'm kind of impressed with myself that I even have decorated this much by now.

Our family has had a recent big change, and our time at home has been very limited. When we do get home in the evenings, we do the essentials and fall into bed.

Today, as I was giving myself all of my excuses for why I had neglected to put the Nativity up, I realized one thing.

That one thing is what I want to share with you:

The Nativity is the ONLY thing that matters during this season of crazy busy.

The thing that I had neglected in all of my busyness and excuses, was the only thing that matters.

Wow, that is such a lesson for MYSELF. In all of my rushing around, checking things off my list, even trying to be "present" in each moment...none of that matters.

What matters is the Nativity.

Humble Mary and Joseph traveled to Joseph's hometown, so that Mary could deliver MY DELIVERER.

The One who loves me in spite of my busyness and oversight--He came as a tiny baby so that I could have peace and love and joy in this crazy world we live in.

Jesus came as a baby for ME.

And Jesus came as a baby for YOU. For all the world to know that He loves them.

Today, I hope you are able to take a quiet moment and reflect on your own Nativity...

Where is YOUR Nativity this season?

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

06/10/2013

Today's post is in honor of some of my dear friends who have battled some nasty monsters in some scary battles. One friend in particular is in the middle of a battle right now. I cannot tell you how MUCH I admire these dear people. These weary warriors, who bravely get up day after day to face a new day.

You know what, though? We all have our own battles, our own private wars we wage. Some of our battles are out in the open, with lots of spectators. Others of us like to battle in private, silently, and putting a bland smile on our faces instead.

Whether you find yourself in a battle today or not, I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch this video. Glennon Doyle writes the refreshingly honest and hilariously funny blog Momastery. She also has written a book that sits on my nightstand that I've underlined something on nearly every single page--Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life Unarmed.

Please join me in encouraging all the warriors around us. We're all in this world together--let's all show up and be honest, together.

What battles are you facing today? What encourages you most when you're in the middle of a nasty battle?

05/26/2013

Because of all of these things, I am GRATEFUL today...and every day...

Because of these things, our family proudly flies this on our house 365 days a year

Today, before I grill, before I picnic, before I enjoy time with friends...I want to spend some time PRAYING for the men and women who give their lives to protect our country. Without them, my life sure would look a lot different. I really don't take that for granted.

Please join me in praying for them. Let's also not forget all the families and loved ones they leave behind. Their gift to our country is every bit as great as the men and women overseas. I'm praying for them today, too.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a family member or friend who is currently fighting for my freedom, I would LOVE IT if you would mention that person BY NAME in the Comments. I would be HONORED to pray for your loved one by name today...Thank you.

05/22/2013

I know I haven't written here in a very long time. I have to admit--I've missed you guys. But, it's been a much-needed break. Life needs to be about the living, not about the blog post pictures and titles.

I read my dad's words about his Bubba on a day that lots and lots of families in Oklahoma lost loved ones and homes, and experienced moments of terror. So, probably, I was waxing extra nostalgic about family.

(Okay, this is when you go read it, too. Go on--go read. I'll wait on ya!)

My dad's words are especially meaningful because they explain a little bit of why my family is so special: You see, we had a hero--years and years before I was even born. Our family owes so much to my Uncle Berry Lee, who gave my dad love, encouragement, and a faith that has saved us.

When I am feeling especially sentimental about family, I sometimes wonder why I get to be blessed with such a wonderful family? Why did I get loving parents when other kids get abusive parents...or some orphans, who have no one to tell them they're wonderful and loved and wanted?

Why was my family blessed with a rich and grace-filled faith, when others are born into families who don't believe anything...or even worse--believe in a faith that encourages abuse, intimidation, and hatred?

It's not that my big extended family doesn't have problems. Oh, we've got 'em. We've pretty much experienced all the icky problems that humans face.

But, even in the midst of these problems--the anger and resentment and judgment and desperation and sadness--we still have that little voice inside us, that voice that says, "No matter what, my family loves me."

So, why do we get to feel each other's love? Why do we get to have a loving family, when others do not? Why did we get a hero?

I don't have the answer.

BUT, the other day, as I was reading my dad's words, the answer that came to me very clearly was,

"BE somebody's hero. If you don't have a "Bubba" writing you letters and being your hero--then BE somebody else's hero. YOU BE THE HERO."

It really doesn't take that much effort to become somebody's hero. Spend some time. Speak a few encouraging words. Tell him the truth. Tell him he's wonderful and loved and wanted. Write him a letter.

So, today, these are my words for you: Please, please--for the sake of our big and disaster-filled world--please BE somebody's hero today.

And be their hero tomorrow and the day after, too.

You never know how much your encouragement can mean. Our family has learned how much it can mean...even generation after generation.

Thank you, Uncle Berry Lee. Thank you.

(My mom's family is pretty amazing, too. I'll tell that story another day: I'll tell you all about George and Virginia.)

04/07/2013

Several years ago, a friend of ours called during Thanksgiving weekend and said he needed our help. He had already started driving the several hundred miles towards our home, and was really hoping he could stay with us for a while.

We told him, "Of course" and said he could stay as long as he needed.

We got the guest room ready, and waited--not really knowing how we'd find our friend once he arrived.

His arrival seemed pretty normal. He pulled up in his Texas-sized truck, wearing his usual jeans and cowboy boots. We hugged and exchanged the typical "how was your trip?" small talk. We made our way to the kitchen table, where I'm sure I offered him something to eat and drink.

There, at our kitchen table, our friend explained in a quiet voice how messed up he'd gotten. He told us that he'd checked himself out of rehab, and started driving towards Branson for help.

Now, I should tell you a couple of things here. First of all, I am keeping much of this story vague--because it is not my story to tell. The only reason I even mentioned his checking himself out of rehab is so I can BRAG on how AMAZINGLY BRAVE he is! I'm not sure I've ever been PROUDER of someone than I am of this friend, who has been sober for several years now. (I wish you could see the big goober smile on my face as I write these words! See? I'm proud.)

Second, I should tell you that our friend headed to Branson for not only our help--he had a couple of friends here that he was reaching out to. We certainly cannot take the credit for helping him. Which, is really funny that I'm even saying that--because GOD gets all the credit anyway. This story is all about God's kindness and redemption.

Now, I've given you a whole lot of background information to tell you this: The whole time our friend was staying with us, and getting his life back together, I felt this burden, this burning desire to be able to ENCOURAGE our friend...to TELL HIM just the right things that would make everything better...to COUNSEL HIM in just the way he needed to get healing.

But, guess what?

No matter HOW MUCH I prayed for God to give me the words to say to him...

No matter how many great things I thought of to tell him...

No matter how strongly I felt about certain things I wanted to ask him...

God kept telling me one thing: Be quiet.

Over and over again I felt God was telling me not to give one word of counsel, and even not to ask any leading questions. I sensed God was telling me that this was Dave's time to counsel, and Dave's turn to talk and share in this particular situation.

Oh sure, I chatted with our friend a lot. We talked every single day, and some days I even got to listen as he chose to share about his struggles. We talked about books and movies and history and the South.

I loved our daily chats. But, so many times I felt helpless towards our struggling friend. Here he was--living in our guest bedroom--and yet, I couldn't say anything or do anything to help him.

Ah. But, one day, God helped me see how I COULD help our friend...how I already WAS helping our friend: I could make him turkey sandwiches.

I'd already been feeding our friend daily, but just never thought of that as a way of helping. But, God showed me that by FEEDING our friend, I was helping to FEED his SOUL.

From that day on, I saw my meal preparations as the way that I was helping our friend recover. I was feeding his body, and his soul.

From that day on, I took great delight in piling on the turkey extra-high, as if our friend could feel my encouragement and love in those bites of turkey sandwiches. I stopped feeling helpless in staying quiet, and started finding great joy in my daily meal (and turkey sandwich!) preparations.

How about you? Do any of you find yourselves in a situation where you feel inadequate to help a friend or family member? If so, I encourage you to look for ways different than just telling or counseling.

Sometimes, now matter what words you want to share--eloquent and sensible as they may be--sometimes, words fall upon deaf ears.

Sometimes, a friend isn't ready to hear.

Or, sometimes, someone else needs to do the talking and sharing.

Sometimes, the very best thing you can do--is make a nice, thick turkey sandwich.

I sure hope the next time you are preparing a meal--for your family, or for a friend--that you remember: You're not just feeding a body; you may also be feeding a soul.

03/29/2013

(Please please CRANK UP THE VOLUME before you push play! I promise you'll be glad you did!)

Happy Easter, dearest readers! I'm sorry I've been so quiet lately...but I must admit, the break in writing has been much needed.

Now, go ye forth and CELEBRATE the BEST NEWS IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!! He is risen!!!! Celebrate with chocolate eggs, deviled eggs, Honeybaked ham and mashed potatoes, and plenty of yellow and hot pink Peeps.